DOVER — Area organizations are working diligently to provide shelter for all those who are homeless, as freezing temperatures are expected to grip the region through the end of the week.

“We're full, but we're full all the time as the reasons for homelessness don't change year round,” Chris Sterndale, executive director at the Cross Roads House in Portsmouth, said. “The stakes are higher this time of year. We stretch our capacity a little if someone comes in with no other options.”

However, area shelters and city welfare departments say they have not yet seen an influx of people seeking shelter from the cold.

Rochester Welfare Director Todd Marsh, said this is typical, since many homeless in the Granite State avoid traditional shelters.

“For many reasons, some stay in the woods, in vehicles or in places that are not meant to be used as homes,” he said. “During the coldest of the cold months, this decision can prove fatal.”

Lena Nichols, director of public welfare for Dover, also said she has not had many people seeking shelter.

“Whoever came in, we were able to help, but there haven't been a lot,” Nichols said. “However, who knows what it'll be like with another few days of this cold weather.”

Eileen Sweeney, homeless outreach specialist for the Community Action Partnership of Strafford County, spent much of her day outside, going around to area homeless individuals of whom she is aware and trying to convince them to find shelter.

“In the Seacoast area, even those who choose to live outside want shelter this time of year,” Susan Geier, community services and outreach director at Community Action Partnership, said. “This kind of weather is life threatening, and we try to help in any way we can.”

Geier noted local shelters are always bursting at the seams and when they don't have space her organization helps people with bus tickets or rides to shelters in Manchester or Concord.

“I'm confident that we can find reasonable shelter for everyone, as we do year round,” Marsh said. “It's fortunate that many people avoid homelessness because caring and dedicated people exist — shelter workers, neighbors and others.”

However, he and others stressed homelessness is an ongoing issue for many.

“People are drawn to this kind of story during cold weather, but I see it all year long, in January and July,” Marsh said. “Homeless exists because mental illness exists, because a struggling economy exists, because unaffordable housing exists, and because as humans we have the ability to make poor life choices.”

In addition to helping those without shelter, Community Action Partnership offers fuel and electrical assistance. Geier encourages anyone in need to call and apply, even if they have a job, because they may be eligible to receive funding to stay warm.

Cross Roads House and My Friend's Place in Dover are Seacoast area shelters that accept walk-ins throughout the year. Bill O'Connell, Director of My Friend's Place in Dover, did not respond to a request for comment.

Many will work to open temporary shelters if the cold spell remains. The Salvation Army Church at 36 Olde Farm Lane in Rochester stayed open Wednesday night as a warming shelter, according to Capt. Frank Nataluk. He said that they would be watching the weather to see if they would be open following nights.